Italy In Low Season

Benvenuti a Roma! Your Italy in Low Season tour begins this morning in one of the world’s most beloved capital cities. Check into the hotel and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers. After a brief overview of the upcoming itinerary, get ready to explore Rome! Set off on a guided tour and see multiple top sights and famous landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum! After the tour, enjoy some free time to discover this magical city on your own or grab some lunch and get your first taste of Italian cuisine. Tonight, join back up with the group and get to know your new travel buddies over a welcome dinner.

Walking tour of Rome: This city has so much to see and do, we can’t even list everything here! Your walking tour of Rome with a professional local guide will give you a great start for further exploration in your free time. See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Septimus Severus, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona (Fountain of the Quattro Fiumi), the Spanish Steps, and the other attractions that make Rome a perennial favourite with travellers all over the world! 

Welcome dinner in Rome: It’s the start of the tour so that calls for celebrations! Tonight you will enjoy a welcome dinner where you can taste delicious Italian food and get to know your tour leader and the rest of your group at a local Roman restaurant.

Say “farewell for now” to Rome and hop back on the coach towards Florence. En route, enjoy a visit to Orvieto. This hidden gem of a city in the Umbria province is perched on a cliff and boasts incredible scenery. Take the funicular to the city centre and take some time to wander around. Admire the Cathedral of Orvieto and the Papal Residence! Then, travel onwards to the magnificent Tuscany region. Before arriving in Florence, look forward to a tasting of one of Tuscany’s most celebrated exports - wine! Taste delicious wine at a local wine estate and sample olive oil and charcuterie from the region. After, head to the hotel in Florence and settle in for the evening.

Orientation tour of Orvieto: Explore some of the sights of this city perched on top of a rock cliff. Take a trip to the top using the funicular. Enjoy free time to find something to eat, see the streets, and visit the top sights including the Cathedral of Orvieto, the Papal Residence and the Albornoz Fortress. 

Tuscan wine tasting: Wines from Tuscany are celebrated all over the world and this tasting will showcase why! Taste a variety of wines from a local estate and sample local olive oil and charcuterie from the region.

Buongiorno Florence! Look forward to a full day in the “Jewel of the Renaissance”. As one of Italy’s three “art cities” and the capital of the Tuscany region, Florence is teeming with artistic masterpieces and cultural delights to discover. Discover many of Florence’s most iconic sights on a guided tour such as the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. After, visit a local leather factory and learn all about the impressive craftsmanship behind bespoke Italian leather goods. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Tonight, why not get a Taste of Tuscany with an optional, family-style meal of delicious local dishes?

Guided tour of Florence: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Florence. You’ll be introduced to the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and the replica statue of David. A cultural and political focal point during the Renaissance, Florence is endowed with a huge variety of important buildings and famous artworks.

Leather-making demonstration: Step inside the world of Italian leather crafting; visit a local leather shop and factory, Leonardo Leather and Gold, for insight into how bespoke Italian leather goods are produced. Italy has been famous for leather production for centuries!

Bid Florence farewell after breakfast this morning as the tour travels to a true highlight of all Italy tour packages - the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Be sure to get a few fun pictures of this legendary tower. The next stop is Parma, a university city that is probably best known for its ham and parmesan cheese! However, this city is so much more than its delicious produce. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival and experience the impressive architecture and charming atmosphere of Parma’s historic centre. Of course, you can’t leave Parma without trying some of its renowned food! Delight in a tasting and demonstration of Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese and Prosciutto di Parma before travelling onwards to tonight’s accommodation in Milan.

See the Leaning Tower of Pisa: Visit Pisa to see one of Italy’s most iconic monuments; the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Make the most of photographic opportunities during the visit. A photo of you ‘holding up’ the tower is a classic!

Explore the historic centre of Parma: Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader of Parma’s historic centre. This university city is home to a number of architectural and artistic delights. The Parma Cathedral features frescoes from Correggio as is the Camera di San Paolo, a former convent. Wandering Parma’s picturesque streets will reveal a variety of charming cafés and colourful buildings.

Taste Parma ham and Parmesan cheese: Parma is best known for its famous produce - Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese (Parmesan) and Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham). Experience a tasting and demonstration of these delectable local foods.

Wake up in Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals! Begin this full day in Milan with an insightful, locally guided tour. Join an expert local guide in discovering this dazzling city’s attractions. The most spectacular landmark in Milan is certainly the striking Duomo di Milano, one of the largest Gothic buildings in the world! Other notable sights include the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world‘s oldest shopping malls, the impressive La Scala opera house, the historic Piazza Mercanti and much more. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Choose to explore one of Milan’s many fascinating museums or take a stroll along Navigli, the canal district. The choice is yours!

Guided Tour of Milan: Discover the many marvellous sights of Milan and learn more about this cultural hub on a guided tour with an expert local guide. Tick off Milan’s most beloved sights including the exceptional Duomo di Milano (which offers sweeping views from its rooftop), the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the impressive La Scala opera house and much more.

Look forward to a day full of breathtaking natural scenery! Today’s first stop is Sirmione, an enchanting town at the southern tip of Lake Garda - a gem of the Italian Lake District. Soak up the serene surroundings and historic sights on an orientation tour. Next, travel to the city of Trento which is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains. Discover the city’s unique blend of Austrian and Italian influences on an orientation tour. Then, take a funicular to Sardagna, a mountain village which offers an awe-inspiring view of the city below and the snow-capped Dolomites beyond! Tonight, sit down for a delicious three-course menu in the Trento city centre.

Visit Sirmione: Embark on an orientation tour of this beautiful city located at the southern tip of Lake Garda. Discover the tranquil scenery of the Italian Lake District and learn about the history of Sirmione. Marvel at the 13th-century Scaliger Castle and the Grottoes of Catullus, one of Northern Italy’s most important archaeological sites

Experience Trento: Some of Italy’s most majestic scenery awaits in Trento - a city set against the backdrop of the dreamy Dolomite Mountains. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader before taking a funicular to Sardagna. Prepare for panoramic views of both Trento and the Dolomites which are at their snow-capped best in winter!

Depart Trento this morning after breakfast and get ready for another day of Italy travel highlights! Start the day with a trip to Verona, best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s great tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. During an orientation tour of this romantic city, see Juliet’s balcony, the UNESCO-listed old town and the 2,000-year-old city gates! In the afternoon, travel to Venice, home to famous landmarks including St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and Rialto Market. This evening, join the An Evening of Venice optional excursion to experience the twinkling lights of Venice from a water taxi and gondola on the iconic canals before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant!

Visit Verona: Stop in Verona and enjoy an orientation tour of this romantic and historic city. Admire Juliet’s balcony - where Romeo is said to have wooed Juliet in the classic Shakespearean tragedy. 

Explore Venice: Discover the magic of Venice, Italy’s unique floating city. Venice is full of iconic sights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For the ultimate Venice experience, join today’s optional excursions!

Say “arrivederci” to Venice and set off on an adventure through more of Northern Italy’s gems. This morning, visit Ferrara, a city rich in Renaissance architecture and medieval history. Discover Ferrara’s historic centre, which is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spot the 14th-century Castello Estense and admire the impressive facade of Duomo di Ferrara on an orientation tour. This afternoon, arrive in Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. This historic city is home to the oldest university in Europe and is known as the culinary capital of Italy! Get acquainted with some of the city’s artistic, cultural and architectural highlights on an orientation tour. The evening is free to explore at your own pace.

Discover Ferrara: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this hidden gem in the Emilia-Romagna region. Ferrara is a city rich in Renaissance architecture, art and cultural highlights. Gaze up at the towering Castello Estense, a 14th-century moated castle, and admire the facade of the Roman Catholic Duomo di Ferrara. 

Explore Bologna: Spend an evening in the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Learn more about this captivating city which is home to Europe’s oldest university and is known as Italy’s culinary capital! Set off on an orientation tour beginning in the Piazza Maggiore, right in the heart of the city. Explore the historic centre and see top sights including the Two Towers which dominate the skyline and the historic University of Bologna.

Leave Bologna after breakfast this morning and head to the Umbria region, stopping in Perugia, the region’s capital city. Discover the defensive walls, admire the medieval Priori Palace, which is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and stroll the streets of the charming Centro Storico district. Then, it's on to Assisi. St. Francis was born in this medieval town in 1181 making it Italy’s most popular religious pilgrimage site. Marvel at top sights including the UNESCO-listed Basilica of St. Francis and the picture-perfect Piazza del Comune. Finally, travel to Rome for the final night of the tour. Sit down for a farewell dinner with the group at a local restaurant.

Visit Perugia: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of Perugia, capital of the Umbria region. Perugia is a lesser-known Italian jewel and is full of palaces, most notably the Gothic Priori Palace, and fascinating historic sites. Perugia is also famous for its chocolates - an excellent souvenir idea!

Explore Assisi: Discover this famous medieval town where St. Francis was born in 1181. As one of Italy’s most popular religious pilgrimage sites, Assisi boasts a number of breathtaking basilicas, cathedrals and churches. Explore some of these, including the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on an orientation tour.

Farewell dinner in Rome: Make a toast to the last night on tour at the final group dinner. Enjoy great food, and swap memories from an incredible Italian adventure.

After 10 days of exploring iconic Italian cities, hidden gems and sweeping scenery, this unforgettable Italy in Low Season tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be sure to swap contact details with your fellow travellers before heading to your next destination. Buon viaggio from all of us at Expat Explore!